Smokers in Ottawa face $305 fine for lighting up in parks, patios under bylaw

Smokers in Ottawa will have to think twice before lighting up in parks and on public patios — the city’s new anti-smoking rules kicked in Monday.

Smoking on city property, parks and beaches and on restaurant and bar patios can now lead to a fine of $305. The changes to the city’s smoking bylaw were passed three months ago.

But up until Monday offenders were let off with a warning.

Last week, city council voted to extend the ban to hookah water pipes. The ban is on the grounds that the outdoor smoking is a public nuisance and creates odours.

City clerk and solicitor Rick O’Connor told committee members that he believes the prohibition is the first of its kind in the province, and might face legal challenges legal challenges from users of medical marijuana, and based on “cultural aspects.”